Dale Earnhardt Jr. has left the door slightly open regarding a future return to racing, even after stepping away from a full-time NASCAR career in 2017. While the wait for another Dale Earnhardt Jr. future racing appearance grows longer, recent remarks have renewed speculation about when he might get back behind the wheel.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Racing Status Remains Uncertain
Since retiring as a full-time NASCAR driver, Earnhardt Jr. has continued to appear in the Xfinity Series with occasional one-off races up until 2024. His last outing took place at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 20, and afterward he admitted on his podcast that it could very well have been his final Xfinity race, but stopped short of ruling out a comeback entirely.
Despite his certainty that Bristol might mark the end, Earnhardt Jr. emphasized that he still plans to run his late model car for some time. He clarified that he has no intention of racing in the Xfinity Series in 2025. However, he left the door open for a possible return in 2026, noting that once the itch to compete sets in, especially if it would benefit his JR Motorsports team, he might not hesitate to sign up again.
Podcast Revelations Signal a Possible Return
In a recent podcast episode, Earnhardt Jr. discussed which tracks might tempt him to make a comeback.
“I probably should run one or two more, but I don’t know if and when I’ll do that,”
Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR driver and team owner.
He made it clear that the Wilkesboro track, due to its new pavement, doesn’t currently appeal to him, but he left open the idea of racing there once the surface ages.
“I don’t really want to run Wilkesboro with a new pavement, but there’s a chance that by the time I’m 55 or 58 years old, maybe that payment’s kind of worn out a little bit, and I just hop out there and do it,”
Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR driver and team owner.
He is not completely opposed to returning, even imagining a scenario several years down the road. Bristol remains on his shortlist, along with Wilkesboro—dependent on track conditions—and the Nashville event if it becomes an option.
“I don’t have any problem with getting in my Xfinity car in eight years and running a one-off… I’d run Bristol again. I’d run Wilkesboro once the pavement wears out. If they ever did go to Nashville, I’d probably contemplate going and running that one as well,”
Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR driver and team owner.
Other Series and Preferred Venues Spark Debate
The possibility of racing in the Truck Series has also crossed Earnhardt Jr.’s mind. Martinsville appeals to him because of the track’s layout, but he is frustrated with its short race format, believing it prevents the drivers from reaching a point where genuine skill and endurance make a difference. He argued that tire wear never becomes a major factor due to the race’s structure.
Despite these reservations, Earnhardt Jr. admitted he would enjoy a return to the Xfinity race at Martinsville, while still criticizing its format.
“It is miserable because the stages are too short,”
Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR driver and team owner.
He described the challenges that arise when tires lose grip, brakes overheat, and handling deteriorates, suggesting that only then does driver ability truly come into play. For now, Earnhardt Jr. has not made any definite plans but hasn’t dismissed the possibility of racing Xfinity again in 2026, especially at high-profile venues like Bristol or Wilkesboro.
The Racing Community Awaits Earnhardt Jr.’s Decision
Although no official comeback has been confirmed, the ongoing discussion keeps fans and the motorsport community eagerly waiting. Dale Earnhardt Jr. continues to have a significant presence in the racing world as a team owner with JR Motorsports, and his potential return could boost excitement and ticket sales at any NASCAR event he chooses to enter. The uncertainty continues, but the legacy of this NASCAR legend ensures that any Dale Earnhardt Jr. future racing appearance will remain a top story for both fans and sponsors alike.
